Is John Deere still head and shoulders above the competition in quality and performance?
Packer Smacker asked:
I have just purchased a sears craftsman mts 5500. I compared it against a couple of different John Deere mowers. I believe that the competitors have caught up with JD. Yet the JD's are still more expensive. I am wondering if people spending extra money for actual quality, perceived quality, or just simply the JD paint?
Antique John Deere Tractors
My husband is a landscaper. He says that John Deere needs to stay with tractors. They are okay for riding lawn mowers, but most companies have caught up to them in quality. In all reality while mowers have different names, there are really only about three companies making the engines.
We’ve also noticed that where you buy determines quality. For example, buying from a dealer where they specialize only in John Deere will be better quality than one that has other lines, but sells JD’s for cheaper.
john+deere
Wheel Horse is the best, Mine is 39 years old. You won’t find JD’s lasting that long.
Used John Deere Tractors
I was told Deere doesn’t make their low end machines. The more expensive ones probably still better.
john+deere
Just green paint, a brand name and higher prices. My Bolens mower I got from Lowes has the same engine as the John Deere they sell. While some of the mulching decks and other accessories add to the price, JD is no better than any of the others, when I used to sell mowers, JD was just getting into mass residential use (starting with Sears). I had more service calls on the JD mowers, and since I had to do some of the assembly, will tell you that there is not a lot of difference overall. Buy the mower you like, with the features you want, and go for the best price. The high end machines just cost more money and more to maintain.